How to take care of a violin leaf fig tree

Share advice on how to take care of a violin leaf fig tree, how often water it, how much water, how much sunlight, all those important questions.

Meet Frida Kahlo. She is our beautiful violin leaves plant that greets all who enter our house.

Frida receives so many fulfillment both in real and online life, I already often receive questions about how to take care of this type of plants.

I hesitated to write this publication because I used to be a notorious plants killer and killed multiple interior plants. In recent years, I finally found my rhythm, and although I feel quite sure of my routine, I’m still afraid of Jinx.

I can’t help fear that as soon as I publish this publication, Frida’s leaves begin to go back and explode in flames. But I’m going for it.

I hope you find some useful tips here and my fellow violin leaf lovers, please share your best tips in the comments.

What is a violin leaf fig tree?

A violin leaf fig plant is also called Ficus Lyrata. They are tropical trees that work extremely well outdoors in moderate and humid environments.

In the last 10 years or so, they have increased in popularity. Fiddle Leaf Figs Commonly the covers of Grace, Instagram and Pinterest magazine.

It is a beautiful interior plant that can increase the aesthetic attraction of its space and can be an impressive architectural statement in your home. It has an impact on the decoration and is also known for being a challenging interior plant to keep alive.

In this publication, I am sharing proven tips on how to take care of a violin leaves, find time to repeat it and keep it in lush, healthy and thriving appearance for a long time.

How to take care of a violin leaf fig tree

Adequate placement and lighting requirements

The key with the figs of the violin leaf, the tropical plants and the plants of the house is to find a place in their home where they will be happy and will get enough light. In general, this is a window oriented to the north or south, where you can get a lot of sunlight. These plants also tend to work well in areas with high roofs, skylights and large windows. If you live in an area that is not well illuminated, you can use a culture light. I am in a Facebook group (obsessed) and many members use cultivation lights in their plants. Take a look around the area and make sure you have no ca fans that will blow directly on the plant.

While the sun is good, be careful with too much hot sun and strong direct sunlight on the plant because it can cause solar burns. We have another violin, Fred, which was forgotten outside and was burned by the sun. He had brown spots for quite some time, but he has finally recovered. The bright and indirect light is usually the best. The lighting conditions make the difference.

Irrigation

Ok, then there are enough methods here: the cup method (watering a small amount frequently) or the most uncommon method (a lot of irrigation once a week). I discovered that the cup method did not work for me. I was dropping leaves like crazy and I was walking around the plant, trying to discover which hell was happening. A game change: The water meter! I asked Amazon and checked his water every 7-10 days. I only laugh at the floor when the ground dries and the meter reaches a level of humidity 2 or 3, and then I get out of it. I will use 4 large measurement bowls full of filtered water and wallpaper the ground. (Frida prefers the filtered water of the refrigerator and not the sink. Our levels here in Tucson are too acidic and affected its leaves).

Before watering, use the water meter or a stick to push holes on the floor; Do not worry, you will not disturb the roots. This will help oxygenate the soil and water so that they flow more freely. A good general rule for the amount of water to use: water until it begins to leave the drain holes and then leave it alone.

A note: the figs of the violin leaf love the rain and I feel that rainwater is much better for plants than sinking water. Call me crazy, but they respond differently. If it rains, drag your most resistant plants outside!

Medium for pots

Tip: Before you leave your violin leaves, keep it in the nursery pot in the area of your home where you will live. In this way, you can have time to adapt to lighting and the environment before the plant is shocked when assigned. For the ground for pots, be sure to use something that allows water to flow instead of sustaining water, which can cause root rot. They sell special soil for figs of violin leaves, and I know that many who have had good luck with succulent cactus/soil. I used the floor for Miracle Grow pots and worked well. Consult your nursery to see what mixture of pots you recommend for your weather.

When the fig of the violin leaf accumulates, it does not need a huge pot since the root system does not need much space to expand. Actually, they do better when they are slightly tied, and many figs of violin leaves work well in the initial nursery pot. I would choose a pot around that size, or a little larger. Important: Make sure the pot has a drainage hole so that the water can easily flow. I also like to put small rocks at the bottom of a pot before adding the plant and the ground, so that the water can move easily and avoid the rot of the root.

Fertilization

It does not have * * fertilize its plant if the ground is healthy and the plant is thriving. If you notice that you need some impulse, I like this fertilizer mixed with filtered water. (It was too acidic with the sink water and caused problems, so I stopped using it). If you choose to use fertilizer, do this twice a year: once in the summer and once in the winter.

Routine maintenance

Rule! As I mentioned before, the FLF love wet environments and thrive in a little moisture. If you live in a dry climate, the mist can have a positive impact on the leaves. You can place a low humidifier near your plant, or occasionally mist. I use this lord of Amazon and I only miss the leaves when I laugh (once every 7-12 days). I put the leaves and then clean the dust with a paper towel. In this way, dusty leaves do not hinder the ability to obtain sunlight.

Weak trunks: I have heard that people gently shakes the trunks of their tree every few days, especially if they are weaker/smaller. This is to stimulate strong winds and encourage a stronger trunk. I have not done this for Frida, but I can try this for Fred.

Funny note: violin leaf figs will grow as high as their roof allows it. Our roofs are 30 feet high, and I hope it grows so huge with all my heart.

Reponting

I discovered that these plants stay alone, so I would only recommend repowering if it is absolutely necessary. (It can cause stress for plants and do not want to stress them!) Some sites recommend replacing every 2-3 years to obtain fresh nutrients from the soil, but I feel that if the plant is happy, leave it alone haha. Some indicators that you may want to repeat: the ground is moving away from the edges and can see many roots, a bacterial infection (many brown spots on the leaves) or rot of the root. You can avoid root rot, making sure there is a lot of drainage and avoiding excess wear.

If you need to repeat, shake the excess land of the roots and cut any of the ends of the roots that are covered with weeds. (It’s like giving it a haircut). If you see any soft roots, skirt them too. Place in a pot with a few inches of earth, surrounded with a lot of fresh soil and water and water.

Ok, friends! That is all I have for you, and I will add more to this publication while I think of new tips.

Do you have vegetable babies? Any excellent advice you have learned over time? Share all the tips for the begas of the violin leaf with us!

XO

Gina